MV Theory/ MV Origin/ MV Evolve, The Galapagos

rooms

The boats offer ten deluxe double staterooms all located on one deck with panoramic windows and private bathroom. All cabins measure 145 square feet (13.5 square meters). There are two twin-size beds that convert into a king-size bed. Two sets of cabins have interconnecting doors, and two cabins have a pull down berth to accommodate triples

facilities & activities

Ecoventura are renowned for offering an exceptionally high guide-to-passenger ratio on their small yachts. On all departures, there are plentiful opportunities for wildlife spotting; the highly experienced naturalist guides lead twice-daily shore visits ensuring you see many of the beautiful beaches, lagoons and forests of the Galapagos and of course the incredible wildlife which includes waved albatross, iguanas, sea-lions, giant tortoises and blue footed boobies. In the evening the clear night skies are perfect for stargazing. Snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks and wetsuits are all available on board for guest use.

Boat features: two expert naturalist guides and a concierge to attend to your every need, gourmet-style meals, indoor and al-fresco dining, open bar policy, sun deck with Jacuzzi, wet bar, BBQ, spacious social areas, satellite TV, ten cabins with panoramic windows located all on one deck, fitness centre with cardio equipment,multiple kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (pending park approval), wet suits and snorkeling equipment.

Full details and boat specification are available here. 

dining

All meals, culinary treats and refreshing beverages are prepared using fresh local ingredients from sustainable providers - just what you need after an excursion. Dinner is a beautifully plated four-course menu and BBQ lunches are served al fresco on the sun deck. There is a cooking demonstration and afternoon tea service with pastries and snacks available. The elegant dining room features marble table tops, with configurations from 2 to 8 guests for private or group dining. Meanwhile the intimate indoor bar is always open for cocktails, red, white and sparkling wine, beer, sodas, juices, coffee, and tea as well as those all important snacks. 

The spacious sundeck is partially shaded and fashioned with day beds, chaises lounges, two hammocks, an outdoor shower, and wet bar. Tables and chairs are set up for a BBQ lunches served al fresco.

family

Children aged 7 years+ are welcome on board. There are special Family Departures during which one or both yachts will be designated for families travelling with children. We do not recommend these weeks for adult couples who are travelling without children. Children age 7 to 11 receive a 25% discount on cruise rates; whilst teens age 12 to 17 receive a 15% discount (apart from on holiday weeks). This cannot be combined with other discounts.

Family departures are geared towards families who prefer to travel with other families who have similar aged children. Designated family departures are offered over the school holidays and feature age-appropriate activities depending on the ages and number of children on board. The friendly, expert naturalists know how to bring these Islands they love to life and to balance learning with fun for the entire family. Activities are tailored to the particular age group and ensure both a fun and informative cruise for all the family from snorkelling and sea kayaking for teens to briefings geared toward the younger set and child-friendly meals. Younger guests are welcome to visit the bridge and learn about astronomy and navigation or maybe they would like to learn how to tie nautical knots. Special parties include movies and popcorn, games with prizes, drawing contests, and fancy dress.

 A further option which may appeal to larger family groups looking to celebrate a special occasion is a private charter. One of the best ways of experiencing the Galapagos Islands is from your own private motor yacht, accompanied by a group of friends and family. The on-board naturalist guides will accompany your explorations, and customize the level of activity. The trip is designed to cater exclusively to your interests and those of your companions. The yachts are popular for multi-generational families, friendsf or the experience of a lifetime in the Galapagos.

location

Flights to Galapagos

Flights to Galapagos (SCY) for Ecoventura passengers are serviced by AVIANCA Airlines from Quito and Guayaquil to Galapagos (San Cristobal). Flight reservations for confirmed passengers are made automatically through our allotment of seats. Passengers receive assistance with check-in the transit card and park entrance fees are usually pre-paid. A representative from Ecoventura accompanies our passengers on this flight.

The current flight schedule is on Sundays to/from Galapagos (SCY):

Quito to Guayaquil (UIOGYE):
AVIANCA 1636 ETD 9:00AM ETA 9:50AM

Guayaquil to San Cristobal (GYESCY):
AVIANCA 1636 ETD 10:35AM ETA 11:30AM

San Cristobal to Guayaquil (SCYGYE):
AVIANCA 1637 ETD 12:30PM ETA 3:25PM

Guayaquil to Quito(GYEUIO):
AVIANCA 1637 ETD 4:05PM ETA 5:00PM

Itineraries

Ecoventura alternates two different full week 7-night itineraries as required by the Galapagos National Park in an effort to better reduce usage on heavily visited sites. The order of visits may vary slightly depending on the yacht assigned.

Itinerary A Beaches & Bays - Southern/ Central Route

Highlights:

Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome
Nazca, blue and red-footed Boobies
Marine and land iguanas
Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds
Snorkel with Galapagos penguins
Giant tortoises in the highlands
Waived Albatross on Espanola
Kayak and swim with sea lions at Cerro Brujo and Gardner Bay

Itinerary:

Sunday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
El Junco Lake, SAN CRISTOBAL

Monday
Punta Pitt, (SN, PR) SAN CRISTOBAL
Cerro Brujo (SN, PR, KY) SAN CRISTOBAL

Tuesday
Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA (Hood)
Gardner Bay (SN, PR, KY) ESPANOLA

Wednesday
Punta Cormorant (PR), Devil’s Crown or Champion (SN), FLOREANA
Post Office Bay (SN), Baroness Point (PR), FLOREANA (Charles)

Thursday
Highlands of SANTA CRUZ (Indefatigable)
CCFL (Darwin Station), SANTA CRUZ

Friday
Bartolome (PR, SN)
Las Bachas (SN) or Black Turtle Cove (PR) or Sombrero Chino (PR,SN)

Saturday
South Plaza Island (SN)
North Seymour (PR)

Sunday
Interpretation Center, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)

SN = snorkel, KY = kayak, PR = panga (dingy) ride

Itinerary B: Volcanic Wonders - Western and Northern Route

Highlights:
Galapagos Tortoises in the highlands
Red Footed and Nazca Booby at Genovesa (Tower)
Land and Marine iguanas
Snorkeling with penguins on Isabela
Volcanic formations of Fernandina
Flightless Cormorant
Kayak at Darwin Bay and Tagus Cove
Whales and Dolphin sitings

Itinerary:

Sunday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham)
CCJG (La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado), SAN CRISTOBAL

Monday
Prince Philip’s Steps (SN, PR, KY) GENOVESA (Tower)
Darwin Bay (SN, PR, KY), GENOVESA

Tuesday
Las Bachas or Black Turtle Cove (SN) SANTA CRUZ
Cerro Dragon (SN) SANTA CRUZ

Wednesday
Punta Vicente Roca (PR, SN) or Elizabeth Bay (PR) ISABELA 
Urbina Bay, ISABELA (SN) (Albemarle)

Thursday
Punta Espinosa (SN) FERNANDINA (Narborough)
Tagus Cove, ISABELA (SN, PR, KY)

Friday
Rabida Island (SN, PR, KY) (Jervis)
Puerto Egas or Black Turtle Cove (PR)

Saturday
CCFL (Darwin Station) SANTA CRUZ
Highlands of SANTA CRUZ (Indefatigable)

Sunday
Cerro Tijeretas or Isla Lobos SAN CRISTOBAL

SN = snorkel, KY = kayak, PR = panga (dingy) ride

rates & specials

Cruise rates include:

• Cabin accommodation in a Deluxe stateroom (145 square feet) two twin or one king bed featuring large windows showcasing expansive un-obstructed views and high-end amenities.
• All meals and after culinary treats, afternoon tea and BBQ lunches al fresco
• Open bar policy - white, red and sparkling wine, beer, spirits, juice, sodas, coffee and tea 24/7.
• Two naturalist guides (one for every ten guests)
• Guided shore excursions twice daily, evening briefings and enrichment lectures
• xploration of the shoreline by Zodiac or glass-bottom boat
• Kayaks (five doubles and a single), two stand up paddle boards, wet suits (full 3mm) and snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel)
• Transfers in the Islands between the airport with meet & greet and the dock in Galapagos.
• Personalised check-in at the airport

 Not included:

• Return airfare from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos San Cristobal (SCY). Upgrade to a business class seat for $114 per person round trip.
• Galapagos Park entrance fee (park tax) - $100 for adults $50 for children 11 and under
• Migration control Transit card (TCT or INGALA) fee $20 per person
• Gratuities to guides and crew – the suggested amount is $300-350 per guest per week
• Purchases from the bar for premium brands of wine and  spirits not included in open bar 
• Satellite communications (Wi-Fi) $100 per day, $300 for the week, limited to one PIN per cabin.
• Laundry service – available Monday to Friday and limited to five items per cabin per day

All values quoted above updated for 2020.